Despite a few concerns, the Xbox version of GTA: San Andreas still comes out mostly a winner. All the gameplay's there with a few new features, but the controls just don't feel right and the 480p support is functional but the jaggies make it bittersweet. It's still quite possibly the best game ever made, and Rockstar's done pretty much all they could to make San Andreas the best it could be on the Xbox.

Perhaps the best possible tribute to San Andreas is the fact that having finished the game over six months ago, we jumped at the chance to reacquaint ourselves with CJ and the Grove, bringing work to a grinding halt as everybody clamoured around the TV screen. Naturally a port may not be the format-defining experience that it was the first time around, however the bottom line is that there's nothing to touch San Andreas in this genre regardless of what machine it's on, pick this up immediately...

How can Rockstar follow this? San Andreas is a masterpiece; the outstanding gameplay from the first two games has been extended, tweaked and applied to a fresh, original and fascinating setting. There's more than enough meat to keep you going for months, and the sheer variety of gameplay is bewildering. Whether you're an OG, a buster, or a balla, San Andreas is an essential purchase.

If you've played the PlayStation 2 version to death, there is no reason to bother with the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox. It's the same great game, only with a little bit more visual polish here and there and a couple of extra features. Those who only own an Xbox, or purposely skipped the PlayStation 2 game in anticipation of an enhanced version, will be happy to know that this is definitely the best version. Now there's no excuse. If you haven't played what is arguably the best game of 2005, now's your chance.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' Xbox arrival was not unexpected - we knew the port would be on the way as soon as Sony's exclusivity contract ran its course. But it is imperative. If you have any sort of Xbox game collection, you must add Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to it. We know, we know, it slept with the enemy, but trust us, San Andreas did the seducing.

The storyline will take you a good 40 hours, especially if you take your time and mess around in the sand box. If you take the game at your leisure, finishing everything can put you over the big 100 mark in hours. This is a great big game. And it's a great game. This is a great, big game. The gameplay, even with some minor shakes, is still one of the best out there.

Whatever you think of the subject matter (particularly the unintelligible “street talk” and foul language, the violence and adult nature of some of the game) and the game’s frailties (PS2 hangover graphical glitches and some control issues), GTA San Andreas comes through all criticisms and niggles thanks to its superb production values, sound & soundtrack - but most of all because of its hugely varied gameplay. Of course it’ll have its critics, but it punches them in the gob, gives them the finger and disappears into the sunset in a stolen jet plane.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a truly groundbreaking game, using the previous GTA formula as its foundation and building and expanding upon it far more than anyone could reasonably have foreseen or expected. It is more like a living, breathing city than ever before, with a huge area to explore, dozens and dozens of missions to carry out, and an almost endless array of things to do on the side, like burglaries, street racing, buying new threads, customising your car, working out in the gym and so much more. The gameplay is more enjoyable and addictive than ever, the story is even better than before and the city is so full of detail and variety that the fun literally never ends.

San Andreas is a great game, by far the best in the GTA Series. The enormous game world, innovative mission design, soundtrack, plethora of vehicles, and gore-filled action will keep grown-up gamers happy for weeks.

Even though the title is largely the same game that we saw back in October of last year, there's no denying that this entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is the best ever. I played through the game when it came out for the PS2, and I can honestly say that I'm having a blast playing it again. It looks and sounds better than ever, which more than makes up for the minor control issues. If you've been searching for the best Grand Theft Auto experience around, look no further: San Andreas is the real deal.

There’s no question that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a Mature (recentlly changed to Adult Only) game for its violence, language, and sexual behavior. However, for those of you who are “of age,” I completely recommend getting your hands on a copy of GTA: San Andreas... just don’t steal it.

Only six months have passed since CJ and I ruled the streets in the Playstation 2 version. Only six months and I once again find myself addicted to the point that the sun is coming up and I haven't moved from the seat for at least 15 hours. Chalk this up to a great game. One of the greatest games of all time, in fact.

If you enjoyed the previous GTAs, San Andreas is a no-brainer must buy. The game is evolving into so much more. The main let down comes from the graphics. Seeing as how cars play a big role in the games, I'd like to see them put in some street racing style customization. But as it stands, San Andreas is a solid game well worth the price of purchase.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will be many different things to different people. Despite the technical flaws here and there, the game is incredibly fun. It will surely take up hundreds of hours to even the most casual of gamers. If you liked GTA III and Vice City, this is a must buy. If you are simply looking for a game that wraps up gaming in this generation, San Andreas is perfect. Everything from the gameplay to the superb presentation merges into an excellent game. So why the same score as the PS2 version if the game is better? Well, the Xbox is a more capable platform so those changes are expected.

In the end, San Andreas eclipses every other game that has come before it simply because it is more than simply a bunch of code on a disc. San Andreas and the whole Grand Theft Auto series is truly a phenomenon that tests the boundaries of our society by gently pushing at the limits of our collective fabric. It puts forth ideas that we shy from and lets us explore them in a safe and controlled environment. Does San Andrea go too far sometimes? Yes and no. It gives us the freedom to do anything we choose. But these are our decisions. And for this reason it stands alone as an unprecedented achievement. Regardless of what platform you play it on, San Andreas must be experienced at all costs. It might not always be pretty, but it sure is fun.

The idea of a console-specific title has fallen by the wayside as the revenue for big-time franchises continue to skyrocket. While we’re probably not going to see Forza Motorsport on the PS2 or God of War on the Xbox, we can count on indy studios to eventually offer up titles originally launched as console exclusives for other platforms. The best example of console exclusivity thrown out the window has to be Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto Double Pack for the Xbox. Sony got (bought) the jump on the competition, but eventually Xbox’ers were able to enjoy the GTA franchise; slightly enhanced for the more powerful system. The same strategy has been employed for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas which is landing on game store shelves some seven months after it dropped on the PS2.

The Grand Theft Auto series has been often imitated, but never duplicated. Once again, Rockstar delivers a game that will raise the bar in this genre and give the competitors something else to shoot for (and likely fall short of). GTA:SA is a fun game, and in this case, bigger is indeed better.

Despite a few concerns, the Xbox version of GTA San Andreas still comes out mostly a winner. All the gameplay's there with a few new features, but the controls just don't feel right and the 480p support is functional but the jaggies make it bittersweet. It's still quite possibly the best game ever made, and Rockstar's done pretty much all they could to make San Andreas the best it could be on the Xbox.

San Andreas goes well beyond the expectations of gamers that thought that the series just couldn’t get any better than Vice City. Not only is it bigger and better, but it looks and feels so good on the Xbox so if you haven’t already bought this game this is the definitive version to own.

As for the differences between the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions, they are somewhat superficial. If you have already played the game to death on PlaysStation 2 then it may not be worth picking up the Xbox version. However, if you are an Xbox user who has previously resisted the charms of the title, then I highly recommend running to your local video game store (running fast), buying a copy, running home, putting the disc in your Xbox and the procceding to play the game for a long time. You may need supplies like food and water, but apart from that you should be fine. The game is a look at the future of gaming, if only more developers put this much devotion into their games then the gaming world would be a much happier place.

Rockstars premier series finally gets the jump to the Xbox. If haven't experienced a Grand Theft Auto game this is the one to get. San Andreas gives us more of what we love the only way Rockstar Games can do.

The first time I played Grand Theft Auto III extensively, I was amazed by its creators' vision and style. GTA III delivered some of this generation's most influential game design and simultaneously reached previously unseen mass commercial success. The design was planned; but the success? Well, selling more than 7 million units within a year was way beyond anyone's imagination. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City saw a change in style, the excessive use of the color pink, and one of the best all-time soundtracks included in a videogame. Interestingly enough, it also added a voice to the lead character Tommy Vercetti, which had previously been a verboten subject in the videogame world. Oh, how far we have come.

Fans of the series and new-comers alike should definitely pick up the latest piece of ultra-violence from Rockstar. There's just so much to do in San Andreas that you have to pick it up and experience what the developers put so much time into. San Andreas feels like a living, breathing world where you can make choices that affect yourself and the world around you in a non-linear, multi-levelled fashion, and above that it's just plain FUN completing missions or roaming the streets causing damage like a mad man, hunting down secret objects to collect or just discovering "oh my, you can do THAT?" If you haven't already, check it out now – San Andreas is worth every penny.

The fact that GTA: SA is a must-buy for any gamer is a given though, no matter which format you plump for. It’s not perfect – there’s still the odd gripe here and there, and wheeling the same game engine out for the next instalment would be unforgivable – but SA is easily the most polished instalment of the series to date. Go out. Purchase the game. Be violent in it. Be very happy while playing it. But try and resist the urge to start addressing your friends as “homies”, though…

True, this may be a port of a year old game, and true, not much improvements have been made over the PS2 version, however, if you haven’t experienced this masterpiece before, this is a must-have title. With its almost unbelievable length, incredible depth, fantastic audio, and just about everything else a good game needs, this game is incontestably worth every penny it costs. Be warned though, this definitely isn’t one for the kids. Simply put, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a work of art that should be played and enjoyed by every gamer that is mature enough to handle its content.

Xbox owners can finally break out the forty's and gather up some ho's with the biggest, baddest Grand Theft Auto game yet, San Andreas moving on in to the Xbox gaming 'hood. PS2 owners had an eight-month jump on all the bad boyz action in the state of San Andreas, but GTA: San Andreas finally gets paroled onto the Xbox, and proves worth the wait, because this is the most comprehensive, large-scale GTA ever, with plenty of the amazing GTA sandbox-style anti-hero gameplay that the series has invented. Without a doubt, Xbox gamers will be just as arrested as their PS2 counterparts by the stellar, most-definitely Matured-rated (and now, because of some "Hot Coffee", Adult Only-rated) gaming adventure that GTA: San Andreas is.

For a port of a six month old game, Xbox owners should be both surprised and pleased with what the game has to offer. Visual enhancements and a tighter control scheme allow for further enjoyment of the game. While there?s nothing new in terms of gameplay content, it still warrants a buy for anyone who has played the PS2 version based solely on the crisper and cleaner appearance of the environment. If you haven?t had the chance to play the PS2 version, there?s no reason why you shouldn?t miss out. Even if you aren?t a fan of GTA, you may find yourself enjoying your time in San Andreas.

There is so much to see and explore in this game that it is a must buy for any X-Box owner. Unless you have the monthly game pass at your local Blockbuster, don’t bother renting for the weekend. It will take you a month just to see a good portion of this game. It’s bigger than anything I have ever seen. This is the game that this writer will be playing for the rest of the summer, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same once you try it out and witness first hand the enormous size of the game. The only thing even remotely missing is a multiplayer feature, although that is probably right around the corner as well. Other than an improvement on the graphics, San Andreas has hit such a high mark that multiplayer may be the only new direction this series can go. Represent!!

By now, you probably know how this works. The new Grand Theft Auto game comes out in October, but only on the PlayStation 2. Xbox and PC owners have to wait a half a year or so for their versions of the game, and each always has the potential to be better than the original release. That's saying something, because we're already talking about one of the best games of 2004 and the best game in the Grand Theft Auto series. Once again, the wait is over, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is now available on the PC and Xbox. While both versions have aspects that are better than the outstanding PS2 game, visual weirdness on the Xbox and a handful of technical issues on the PC prevent either version from being the clear-cut best of the bunch.

Still, in the grand scheme of GTA's immensity, these are fairly minor issues that don't really detract too much from the overall experience — which, it should be said, is still phenomenal. If for some reason you've never played San Andreas (because, say, you don't own a PS2) there's absolutely no reason not to take this opportunity to try it, either on PC or Xbox. Carl Johnson's tale certainly isn't for everyone (Rockstar has squeezed every last drop of freedom from its M rating), but those with the stomach for its grim, violent style will be rewarded with a vast world to explore and one of the best examples to date of great storytelling in games. San Andreas has more than its share of rough spots, but the rewards certainly make those irritations worth suffering.

If you haven't bought this game for PS2 or PC, get up right now and go. We'll be here when you get back. This is the definitive chapter in arguably one of the most popular game series of all time. If you haven't ever played a Grand Theft Auto game… well, first of all, shame on you, but more importantly, this is the one to get you hooked. The only reason San Andreas shouldn't be a must-buy would be if you already owned the PS2 or PC version and couldn't justify another purchase for a couple of minor differences from the other two.

If you’ve already played the Playstation2 version of San Andreas, there’s no real need to pimp your way through this edition. Even though the Xbox version was released over 7 months after the PS2 game and there are a few minor graphical touch ups thanks to the power of the Xbox, there are still no new missions, no bonus games, or any game play enhancements at all for that matter. Normally something like that would really bug the hell out of me, but I’m not talking about any old game here. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is literally one of the biggest games ever created and it will take you weeks or even months just to see everything it has to offer. San Andreas may not have the graphical overhaul and other improvements I wanted, but if you are one of the few people that have not played this awesome, adults-only game you have less of an excuse not to go out and play it now.

It took a while, but the day has finally arrived: San Andreas has found its way to the Xbox and PC. As a result no one, except for the Gamecube fans, can come up with an excuse for not playing this marvellous game. The only question remaining is: is it as good, even better, or perhaps worse than the PS2 version?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is by far the biggest game in the series. Gamers who aren't turned off by the nefarious and illegal activities will find this to be one of the most engrossing games ever produced. If you have the time, patience, and the moral fortitude, this game will easily keep you busy until the next GTA title lands. No, the graphics aren't anywhere near cutting edge, but the production values are off the charts, and those who missed the PS2 version will certainly find it was worth the wait.

Whatever the case, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the Xbox still gets a solid 4.5 out of 5, and folks, that isn't bad. The experience that this game provides still speaks volumes, and being able to still get around as you please, right down to doing some wheelies on your bike or bashing in a coke dealer's head, is a joy to behold. The audio presentation is top notch, and the addition of custom soundtracks is a smart one. Also, the graphics, although not perfect, still get the job done. The gangster's paradise may be becoming a bit familiar, but that doesn't mean you should pass this game by.

If you don't already own Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, make it your priority to pick it up on any of the three platforms it is now available for. It's a massive, extremely imaginative and enjoyable action game which anyone can pick up and make their own.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a great game, and an excellent addition to the GTA series. Unfortunately, it can’t quite capture the flavor of the previous two. While nothing could be done with the Xbox version to remedy that, the attempts to add new features to the port like instant replay and custom radio stations fall completely flat. If you’ve never played any GTA game on the Xbox, go with the Double Pack.

San Andreas is still San Andreas, and although the visuals failed to impress the gameplay is still as solid and engaging as ever. I would still consider this a top choice for any Xbox owner, showing perfectly what PS2 owners have been enjoying from the phenomenally successful Grand Theft Auto series. This is one of those games you could play for weeks, take a week off, and play for another month. So if I was you and I didn't have this game yet I would go run out and buy this game right away it is definitely a worthwhile purchase.

I like San Andreas as it offers so much to mess around with on an unprecedented level. Now I could lower my final score for it being a PS2 looking game or that its 6 months late but then that would be unfairly robbing the game of its deserved score which if you look at it objectively you can clearly see that the good outweighs the bad. If you have played or own the PS2 version then I would recommend that you stay clear unless you want custom soundtracks or more memory for pictures and replays.

As it stands now, it's far from perfect. But, divisive though its hip-hop ideology may be, and under-furnished some areas may feel, it still edges close enough often enough to be worthy of one of our highest marks. To put it another way, when I sit down of an evening and can't think of what to play, nine times out of ten I'm likely to settle for a Grand Theft Auto game. This one's no different. Low-rides over the 8/9 threshold. Now let's bounce.

At its heart, San Andreas on the Xbox is a pretty straightforward port, but given that the original version is so great, this is no bad thing. The improvements made to the new version are significant enough to give Xbox owners the ultimate (console) version of the game, but existing PlayStation 2 owners would have to be die-hard fans to get much out of it.

To sum it up, GTA San Andreas is a game that should be in everyoneÃ­s collection. ThereÃ­s no excuse for Xbox owners to leave the game on the shelves, it is simply superb. In regards to a comparison to the PlayStation2, thereÃ­s little tweaks in the game, but nothing drastic that will want to make an owner of all consoles want to purchase it again. Nearly 5 times the size of Vice City, San Andreas offers gamers the chance that cannot be missed. WeÃ­ve praised San Andreas and talked about the downsides to it, but on the whole, it is a must own for all Xbox gamers, and we cannot wait until Rockstar North unleash their games on the next generation of consoles, especially as online gaming has truly taken off. GTA San Andreas Ã± get it!

Rockstar's latest incarnation of the Grand Theft Auto series gives players a whole state to play with, with over eighty main missions and numerous side quests and other pastimes to while away all of your spare time. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will put players into the shoes of Carl Johnson, who escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where film stars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers. This title arrives fully optimised both graphically and sonically - invigorated for the Xbox and PC.

While I still prefer Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to this title, I will say that this is in no way a lesser offering. The game is huge, offers hours of challenge and exploration, and a fairly good plot with an excellent cast and all the twisted humor you’ve come to expect from Rockstar.

These faults aside, Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is an excellent game, and has continued the Grand Theft Auto legacy in a fine way. Rockstar have captured the lifestyle of the streets perfectly, adding a few colourful characters along the way, humour, plenty of cars and things to do, making this a must have title.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is definitely the best in the franchise. Rockstar poured absolutely everything they could dream of to do in this effort with overall success. It’s a nice evolution from Vice City, and GTA fans will spend countless weeks exploring the state. Like the PS2 version, with more polish and better combat, which is central to any game, it could’ve been an inarguable masterpiece.

Alright, we have seen most of San Andreas in the previous two GTA titles. But there is just much more you can do that just makes the game much more enjoyable. With this many things to do, San Andreas could remain in your console for months to come. If you have yet to play it on the PS2, go out to the store now. Even through all the controversy, there is a lot to love about San Andreas.

Overall, GTA: SA is the best GTA experience and the best open-ended console gameplay experience you can have offline. The customizing, the choice and the lessons of the previous titles, give the excellent grounding that a game like this needs. While it isn’t perfect and has room for much improvement, what is here is very good. As a port, the Xbox version is average but as a game it’s very good. Anyone who only owns an Xbox, and thoroughly enjoyed last year’s double pack will get exactly what they want out of this title. Anyone who has played GTA will know what they’re getting and we’re sure they won’t mind. Not to mention the game could easily exceed 100 hours of playtime.

Those with an interest in San Andreas should definitely check it out. In my mind, the greatest fault of the game is the often inherent frustration--but for the most part, this is an epic game without equal, either in variety or in scope, and the game maintains a style all its own. Pursue and enjoy.

For the most part, the Xbox edition manages to deliver, but like a tasty dinner served in tiny portions, it leaves you wanting more. For those that previously completed the game on the PS2, expect to invest a similar number of hours (approx. 35 hours). San Andreas is just so damn huge, there's always something that you haven't seen that's just begging to be explored. If you haven't already been to Los Santos or wanted another reason to return, look no further.

After all this, I feel I'm not even close to finishing this review because there is just so much going in San Andreas it's like 5 games in one: part RPG, part adventure, part action, part racer and part sim. And it does it just as well as the best games in any of those genres. It's daunting simply to review a game like this, nevermind give birth to it. Rockstar has created one of the best games ever released on any system...and remember, I wasn't a fan of the last two games. As I sit here staring at this page I suddenly realize that the only possible way this review can ever be finished is if you, the reader, buys the game and experiences it for yourself. I don't remember the last time I gave a game this close to a perfect score, but I stand by this one. It is a masterpiece of gaming even with it's visual flaws.

It's good, and will hold your interest, but with some slightly frustrating controls that aren't customisable, driving Duke owners to desperation, or a new controller S (effectively making it into a £55 game) it's only really slightly improved over the PS2 version. Not quite what we hoped, but a solid game that you can pick up and play for hours, or minutes.

For those that previously completed the game on the PS2, expect to invest a similar number of hours (approx. 35 hours). San Andreas is just so damn huge, there's always something that you haven't seen that's just begging to be explored. If you haven't already been to Los Santos or wanted another reason to return, look no further.

Ultimately, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an absolute blast to play, if you can forgive it for not offering anything especially new to the franchise, and only if you can truly invest the time that it requires. Its demands on your leisure will be heavy, but the payback garnered through the experience is more than worth the loss of your partner, the starvation of your family pet, or the uncomfortable warm sensation spreading between your thighs. Just remember to pay the electricity bill, or youâ€™ll never get to finish the game!